In a move to finalize the composition of its governing body, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) President Mr. Phur Gelje Sherpa has appointed three new members to the association’s Central Executive Board. The appointments were formally announced during the ongoing Central Executive Board meeting held at the NMA Secretariat today, effectively completing the 27-member board as mandated by the NMA statute.
New Appointees and Constitutional Authority
The newly appointed members are Mr. Phuri Geljen Sherpa, Mr. Gelje Sherpa, and Mr. Kul Prasad Dhital. Their appointment was executed under the powers vested in the President by Clause 16 (Gha) of the NMA statute. This specific clause grants the President the authority to appoint three members to the Board, ensuring representation from the various membership categories within the Association. This strategic use of presidential prerogative brings the board to its full strength, allowing for more comprehensive decision-making and representation.
Composition of the 27-Member Board
The structure of the NMA’s Central Executive Board is a carefully calibrated mix of elected, ex-officio, and appointed members. The core of the board consists of 22 office bearers who were democratically elected during the NMA elections held on August 23rd and 24th, 2025. This elected cohort includes four representatives from the book-holder category, a significant segment of the mountaineering community.
Beyond the elected and appointed members, the board includes key ex-officio positions. The Immediate Past President (IPP) retains a seat as a representative of the outgoing Executive Board, providing continuity and institutional memory. Furthermore, the Director General (DG) of the Department of Tourism (DoT) holds a position on the board, representing the Government of Nepal and ensuring alignment with national tourism and mountaineering policies. Adding to this diverse assembly, the Presidents of the NMA’s provincial chapters will continue to serve as invitee members, guaranteeing that regional perspectives are heard at the central level.
Oath of Office Administered
The today’s meeting was not only significant for the new appointments but also served as a formal induction ceremony. President Mr. Phur Gelje Sherpa personally administered the oath of office and secrecy to the three newly appointed members, officially integrating them into the board’s responsibilities. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to regularize the positions of two previously elected members, Mr. Mulal Gurung and Mr. Jen Jen Lama, who had been unable to attend the initial oath-taking ceremony. They too were administered their oaths, ensuring all board members are now fully sworn in.
A Full Board for Future Challenges
The completion of the Central Executive Board comes at a critical time for Nepal’s mountaineering sector. With all 27 positions now filled, the NMA is poised to tackle pressing issues, including safety regulations on popular trekking peaks, environmental conservation efforts, and the welfare of mountain guides and workers. A fully constituted board enhances the association’s capacity to govern effectively, formulate robust policies, and represent the interests of Nepal’s mountaineering community both nationally and internationally. The newly solidified leadership is expected to steer the NMA through its upcoming mandates, focusing on sustainable and responsible mountaineering practices in the Himalayas.
